The U.S. State Department has nominated Ana Ivanovic for its 2008 International Women of Courage Award. The award was created by the U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in order to recognize achievements by outstanding women globally with a focus on recognizing women on the ‘front lines.’

What Ana Ivanovic has done to deserve this nomination? I checked Ana’s official website to see what she has done so courageous. In addition to reaching world #2 in the rankings, “in the past year Ana became a UNICEF ambassador for Serbia. Since her inauguration in September 2007 she has not only donated a considerable sum that has enabled 15 schools to join the “Schools Without Violence” programme, she has raised awareness about child safety through her off-court activities, which included writing a newspaper column that benefited UNICEF during the Australian Open.”

That’s a lot of achievement, and I am pleased to see that athletes are socially active. However, I don’t think this is enough to get nominated for the “International Courage Award.” Check out the previous two years’ recipients here and here to understand what exactly “being courageous” means to me.

What do you think? Does Ana deserve the nomination?

Though Novak Djokovic has failed to defend his title and lost in his opening match at the Sony Ericsson Open, his publicity campaign is going strong. Following Roger Federer’s steps, Djokovic is featured in the April issue of the Men’s Vogue magazine.

(Photographed by Frederike Helwig at the Monte Carlo Country Club in Monaco, where Djokovic now lives and trains. Ralph Lauren Black Label blazer, $695, jacket, $225, and pants, $325; polo.com. Adidas shoes.)

Serbian Novak Djokovic made a guest appearance yesterday on Jay Leno’s Tonight show. If you missed it, still can check it out on youtube.

As a person who loves playing chess and keeping my monkey-mind busy with Sudoku, I was nicely surprised to read that Ana Ivonovic also has a passion for Sudoku. “From the time I was young, I have loved these sort of games that require some mental exercise. Sudoko helps me keep my focus and concentrate on my thinking. I find Sudoko is the best way to get prepared for a match,” Ivanovic said.

I also believe it helps reducing the risk of developing an Alzheimer’s disease–not that Ana needs to worry about it now:-) (Via On the Baseline)

Maria Sharapova beats Ana Ivanovic 7-5, 6-3 to win Australian Open for her 3rd grand slam title.

Check out the image slide show of the 2008 Women’s Final.

20-year-old Serbian Ana Ivanovic (aka Golden Girl #2) has signed potentially the biggest racquet endorsement deal in the history of tennis. According to CNBC sources “it’s a four-year deal that could hit eight figures if Ivanovic is ranked No. 1 for about half the deal.” Ivanovic begins the season ranked fourth in the world but will rise to a career-high ranking of No.3 on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour when the new rankings come out on Monday.

Ivanovic, who has endorsement deals with Adidas, Juice Plus and Verona Motors, is expected to be the new face of Yonex, being that she is the brand’s highest ranked player. Yonex is also No 10-ranked David Nalbandian’s clothing and racquet sponsor. Ana’s Adidas contract is also believed to be one of the most lucrative since Steffi Graf’s retirement.

This is a great news. I get really excited when female athletes sign major endorsement deals. I am sure Ana’s on and off court success inspires thousands of young girls around the world, especially in developing countries, to pick up rackets and start working hard towards their goals. Wonder who is Golden Girl No 1?

(Photo: Manuela Davies/anaivanovic.com)

Serbian Smile-Loving Tennis Star Jelena Jankovic will be “framed” in the upcoming months by a “soon to be announced” Hollywood star. A first-of-its-kind television series created by Reebok Entertainment, “Framed” provides viewers with an unfiltered, real view of the biggest names in sports and entertainment both on and off the field, court and screen. Marking Reebok Entertainment’s first venture into the world of television, “Framed” will air exclusively on IFC beginning December 14, 2007 throughout March 2008. (Reebok News Release)

Masters Cup, Shanghai - Andy Roddick to Novak Djokovic about his tendency to bounce the ball numerous times before serving.

“I could make like eight phone calls and order a pizza by the time you hit a service.”